Four Seasons of Green Project (Year 2 - 2010)
As our journey continues into it's second year we have been successful in many green initiatives. From our personal commitments to public events such as Spring Greening and the Kid's Club Garden.
How did we measure up to our top 5 goals?
1. "To eliminate chemical products ingested and applied topically" - We eat organic foods & use organic body care products. I eat solely vegetarian/vegan (I can't say I am a full vegan because I still love honey, and will wear second hand wool items), the kids eat vegetarian at home, and enjoy organic non-veg a couple of times a month at family and friends houses.
2. "To allow zero chemicals to go down the drain" (referencing toxins) - In addition to eating organic our cleaning supplies are primarily home-made with lemons, baking soda, vinegar and borax. Our detergents and soaps are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
3. "To engage in 100% conscious buying habits in the family" - When we are out shopping or manage to catch a commercial on one of our 3 public broadcast channels, we often discuss at length why we do not need another new toy or gadget. We talk about Nestle products and the issues of fairtrade, environmentally and social responsible corporations, as well as where the product we buy will end up when we are finished with it (landfill etc.). Although we are still working at it, there is definitely a greater sense of awareness when making any purchase.
4. "To increase the families awareness of social justice issues" - (See# 3) We often take time to talk about natural disasters and how consumerism in North America has helped to contribute to global warming, global pollution... It is nice to see the boys taking it in, telling their friends (and especially when they educate adults) on issues such as youth employment, gender equality in education and life choices, sexual orientation, as well as animal and child rights.
5. "To get off the grid while remaining in a suburban environment" - Totally did not happen. I still dream of it, but it is just not happening right now. We did manage to reduce our electricity consumption. Stopped using the dryer, even hung our cloths inside over winter months (except for a a brief period where, well I guess I got a little lazy and felt the time pressures with working more - regardless we are back tot he cloths line now).
What's new in 2010?
We have learned the most significant changes we can make are not only helpful to social and environmental justice, but are healing to our own physical and emotional bodies as well. The changes all revolved around food choices. Last year we committed to eating organic and fair trade - it was a little more expensive, but it soon became our norm to pay the real price of food. This year we want to take our efforts in sustainability a little further...
Four Seasons of Green 5 Goals for 2010
1. Start an Urban Farm to grow 75% of the produce we consume from June-November
2. Walk/Cycle to the grocery store at least 50% of the visits
3. Build/run a small green house to continue to grow produce (especially gourmet salads, edible flowers and sprouts, as well as cold weather crops through winter)
4. Begin to offer workshops on sustainable - green living practices
5. Save the seeds, study, experiment and connect to other sub-urbanites so next year Four Seasons of Green can offer vegetable, fruit, herb and edible flower plants & workshops for those who want to plant their own 'Urban Farm" in their yard